Our Gamboa Rainforest Tour combines wildlife and rainforest experiences surrounding the Panama Canal in one unforgettable day. Cruise Gatun Lake to Monkey Island, glide above the rainforest aboard the Gamboa Aerial Tram, visit the Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary and wildlife exhibits, and finish with a buffet lunch overlooking the tropical forest.

Located just outside Panama City, Gamboa is surrounded by rainforest at the meeting point of the Chagres River, Gatun Lake and Panama Canal. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a complete Panama rainforest tour with wildlife, canal scenery and several of Gamboa’s signature attractions in one convenient experience.

Please note: Wild animals live freely throughout the Gamboa rainforest and Gatun Lake area. Wildlife sightings during the boat and aerial tram portions of the tour cannot be guaranteed.

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Gamboa Rainforest Tour at a Glance

Gamboa Rainforest Tour Itinerary

Your adventure begins in Gamboa, surrounded by the tropical rainforest of the Panama Canal watershed. Guests who select our optional transportation service will be picked up from their Panama City accommodation at approximately 8:00 AM for the drive to Gamboa.

If you are arriving independently, please arrive by approximately 9:00 AM. The tour begins at 9:15 AM with a Gatun Lake boat adventure through waters connected to the Panama Canal.

Over the next several hours, experience Gamboa from the water, above the rainforest canopy and on foot before finishing with an included buffet lunch overlooking the jungle.

Activity times are approximate. The order and timing may change according to weather and local operating conditions.

Gatun Lake & Monkey Island Boat Tour

The first adventure of your Gamboa Rainforest Tour takes you by boat onto Gatun Lake and through waters connected to the Panama Canal.

Travel along rainforest-covered shorelines in search of wildlife. Several monkey species inhabit the region, including white-faced capuchins, mantled howler monkeys and Geoffroy’s tamarins. You may also spot sloths, toucans, iguanas, crocodilians and other tropical wildlife.

As you approach Monkey Island, your guide and boat captain use their local knowledge to help locate animals. Because the wildlife lives freely in its natural habitat, the species and number of animals seen vary from day to day.

This Gatun Lake tour also provides a distinctive perspective of the Panama Canal, where large commercial vessels may pass through the shipping channel while you explore the surrounding rainforest.

Gamboa Aerial Tram – Above the Rainforest Canopy

After returning from Gatun Lake at approximately 11:00 AM, continue your adventure aboard the Gamboa Aerial Tram.

The tram carries you above the tropical forest, offering a different perspective of Panama’s rainforest ecosystem. As you climb through the canopy, look across layers of dense vegetation and listen for the birds and animals that inhabit the forest.

Wildlife may include monkeys, sloths, toucans and other tropical birds, although sightings from the tram cannot be guaranteed.

This relaxed canopy journey is a highlight of the tour and offers excellent opportunities for rainforest photography.

Observation Tower & Panama Canal Views

At the top of the aerial tram route, continue to the observation tower for panoramic views across the rainforest and Panama Canal.

Enjoy expansive views toward the Panama Canal, where you may see large ships navigating this important waterway.

The tower offers an impressive perspective of the canal and the tropical forest surrounding it.

Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary & Panama Wildlife Exhibits

At approximately 12:30 PM, continue to the Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary and nearby wildlife exhibits.

The sanctuary provides an opportunity to observe sloths at close range while knowledgeable staff share information about their biology, behavior and conservation. You may see two-toed and three-toed sloths and learn about their diets, metabolism and adaptations to life in Panama’s tropical forests.

This educational visit complements the wildlife search on Gatun Lake and offers insight into sloth care and conservation.

Your visit also includes the Butterfly House, Orchid Garden and Frog Exhibit. Discover tropical butterflies, including the striking Blue Morpho, and explore exhibits showcasing more of Panama’s diverse rainforest species.

Buffet Lunch at Gamboa Rainforest Resort

After completing the wildlife exhibits at approximately 1:30 PM, relax over a buffet lunch at Gamboa Rainforest Resort.

Enjoy your meal on the resort terrace while taking in the surrounding tropical landscape—a relaxing finish after exploring Gatun Lake, the aerial tram and rainforest wildlife.

Buffet lunch, water and one soft drink during lunch are included in the tour price.

What's Included

• Bilingual English- and Spanish-speaking guides.
• Gatun Lake and Panama Canal boat tour.
• Monkey Island wildlife experience.
• Gamboa Aerial Tram.
• Observation tower.
• Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary.
• Butterfly House.
• Orchid Garden.
• Frog Exhibit.
• Buffet lunch.
• Water and one soft drink during lunch.
• Applicable Gamboa attraction entrance fees.

What's Not Included

• Transportation from Panama City unless selected at checkout.
• Transportation from Playa Bonita, Costa del Este, Tocumen or other areas unless the appropriate transfer option is selected.
• Gratuities and personal expenses.

What to Bring on Your Gamboa Rainforest Tour

• Comfortable, lightweight clothing.
• Comfortable and secure walking shoes.
• Hat or cap.
• Sunglasses.
• Camera or phone.
• Reusable water bottle.
• Light rain jacket or poncho.
• Insect repellent.
• Cash for gratuities, souvenirs and personal expenses.

Sun protection: Lightweight protective clothing and a hat are recommended, particularly during the Gatun Lake boat portion of the tour.

Important Gamboa Rainforest Tour Information

Transportation

The standard tour price does not include transportation from Panama City. Optional transfers can be added at checkout.

Transportation options include Panama City, Costa del Este, Playa Bonita, Tocumen and Amador Cruise Port. Please select the appropriate option when booking.

Meeting Time

Guests traveling independently should arrive in Gamboa by approximately 9:00 AM. The Gatun Lake boat tour begins at 9:15 AM.

Operating Days

This tour operates daily except Mondays, subject to availability and confirmation.

Wildlife Sightings

Monkey Island, Gatun Lake and the surrounding rainforest are natural wildlife areas. Specific species, numbers of animals and close encounters cannot be guaranteed.

Weather

Gamboa has a tropical rainforest climate, and conditions can change quickly. Light rain is common. Tour timing or individual activities may be adjusted when conditions require it.

Cash

Carry some cash for gratuities, souvenirs and personal purchases.

Gamboa Rainforest Tour FAQ

How much does the Gamboa Rainforest Tour cost?

The tour costs $163 per adult and $118 per child through age 10. Optional transportation is charged separately and can be selected at checkout.

What is included in the tour?

The tour combines a Gatun Lake and Monkey Island boat adventure, the Gamboa Aerial Tram, observation tower, Sloth Sanctuary, Butterfly House, Orchid Garden, Frog Exhibit and buffet lunch. Water and one soft drink during lunch are also included.

How long is the Gamboa Rainforest Tour?

The main experience lasts approximately five hours, beginning at 9:15 AM and finishing at approximately 2:30 PM. Transportation time to and from Panama City is additional.

Does the tour operate on Mondays?

No. The tour operates daily except Mondays.

Does the tour visit Monkey Island?

Yes. The day begins with a boat ride on Gatun Lake and through the Panama Canal area in search of monkeys and other rainforest wildlife around Monkey Island.

Will I definitely see monkeys?

Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. The animals live freely in their habitat, and your guide and boat captain use their local knowledge to help locate them.

Does the tour include the Gamboa Aerial Tram?

Yes. Both the aerial tram and observation tower are included.

Will I see sloths?

The tour includes the Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary, where you have an opportunity to observe sloths and learn about their biology, behavior and conservation.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Buffet lunch at Gamboa Rainforest Resort is included, together with water and one soft drink during lunch.

Is transportation from Panama City included?

No. Transportation is optional and can be added at checkout. When a Panama City transfer is selected, pickup is approximately 8:00 AM.

Can I drive to Gamboa myself?

Yes. Plan to arrive by approximately 9:00 AM for the 9:15 AM tour start.

More Panama Wildlife Tours

For a wildlife experience without the aerial tram and buffet lunch, consider our Monkey Island & Sloth Sanctuary Tour from Panama City.

Browse our Panama City tours for more canal, rainforest, wildlife and cultural experiences.

Reserve Your Gamboa Rainforest Tour

From Monkey Island and the Panama Canal to the aerial tram, Sloth Sanctuary and panoramic rainforest views, this tour brings several of Gamboa’s signature experiences together in one day.

Choose your date, add transportation if needed and reserve your Gamboa Rainforest Tour with Tao Travel 365.

Tour Cancelation Policy

Please read our Tour Cancelation Policy before booking.